Suggestions for Spain

[pinotguy]

Folks,

Will be in Spain for a week at the end of the month. Would appreciate any recommendations/suggestions for estancos to visit while there. Will be on a fairly rigid schedule for the majority of the time so I probably won't have much opportunity for diversionary "field trips". However, the last full day there, I will be freed up to roam around Barcelona. Would really like to find a reputable source for Habanos there, especially one with some of the Spanish RE's.

I will also have a chance to check out the duty-free selections in the Madrid and Barcelona airports, for what that's worth.

Thanks in advance for any insights.

[Maplepie]

Wow, coincidence!

Just started a Spanish RE thread a day ago:

http://www.friendsofhabanos.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=118381

With that in mind, PM for a good online vendor. Otherwise, others will sure be able to help with actual B&Ms

[madandana]

Hope I'm not jumping your post Pinotguy but as long as we're on the subject I will be in Spain in June. Madrid, ( Palza Mayor area). Barcelonia,and Stiges. Any advice would be appriciated. Thanks for the post Pinot guy. Please post a trip report when you return.

[TMS36]

^{Was in Barcelona in Feb. Gimeno's on La Rambla has the best selection, ask to see "the cava", which is the basement humidor, and watch your head going down the stairs lol. They didn't have much of interest for aged stock, but by memory for RE they had:}

^{VR Maestro's}

^{RA Grandes}

^{Bolivar 108}

^{SP Quiote}

^{PL Secretos}

^{No - dips or legendarios}

^{A little further down la rambla across the street is a great open air market for lunch. Also if you like beer check out Biercab which stocks Westvleteren 12, 8, and blonde.}

[Fshaw]

Casa Fuster on Rambla Catalunya (def spelled wrong) is a small but great shop. Carlos is great and speaks good english.

Gimeno's is good, fairly picked over as that is one of the most well known in the City so most tourists go there. Definitely need to see the Cava, the humidor at the cashier will make you think twice about wanting to shop there but the basement is well stocked. Ask for Domingo if he is around. A small word of warning, if he mentions to you about his "special stock" and leaves the store to get it, stay far away from anything he brings back.

[CUBANO]

If you buy a box at Gimeno make sure that you open the box and check it. Had a box of Dip RE with split wrappers on 8 cigars, and Domingo would not return my calls or reply to my emails.

[Lotusguy]

Forget Gimeno - it's for tourists.

Estanc Duaso is 10x better.

http://www.duaso.com/

[Smallclub]

A box of PL Secretos, for less than €100, is a must IMHO.

btw, watch your wallet/bag when you walk on the Ramblas.